It is common to assume picking the right bike is an easy task. Simply finding the bike they like the look of is all there is to it, right? As long as it is comfortable that's all you need to worry about. However this is not the case, there are plenty of things you need to consider when looking for the right bike. There is more to it nowadays than there used to be. Cycling is increasing in popularity each day, be it for fun or as a serious mode of transport, there are now more bikes to choose from than ever before. Using a bike as the main method of transport is quickly becoming popular. There are also plenty of families that cycle as a hobby. The following will explain how you choose the best bike for whatever it is you aim to use it for.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. Brakes are very important on a bike, you need to understand how they work and what type you will most likely need for your bike. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. The size of my link the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
As you can see, there are several things you should keep in mind when you decide on a bicycle that's right for you. It can be a bit tedious and frustrating to try and figure out what all you need when you are buying a bicycle. If you will not jump into things and try and educate yourself on what you need, you will be pleased with the results.